Dhaka University Teachers Network Denounces Targeted Disciplinary Actions as Political Retaliation

The University Teacher Network has expressed deep concern over the systematic targeting of faculty members at the University of Dhaka, warning that recent disciplinary actions taken against seven teachers—and the broader push to penalize a list of 231 educators—risk fostering a culture of retribution that undermines the institution’s commitment to justice.

In a statement released Monday, the network argued that the current administrative actions bypass established legal procedures and the right to self-defense, both of which are fundamental mandates under the Dhaka University Order, 1973. The platform cautioned that treating political expression or ideological affiliation as an inherent criminal offense echoes the repressive tactics employed by partisans during the previous regime, suggesting that the university is at risk of replicating the very authoritarian culture it sought to dismantle during the July uprising.

While acknowledging the necessity of accountability, the network emphasized that the push for justice should not devolve into ideological purges. The organization noted that those who facilitated violence against students, supported hall-based oppression, or weaponized administrative mechanisms against colleagues must face consequences. However, it insisted that such accountability must be achieved through transparent, lawful processes rather than through vengeance or “witch-hunting” tactics.

The statement condemned the compilation of blanket lists and the practice of publicizing unproven allegations in the media, arguing that these actions institutionalize a culture of fear. The network specifically pointed to the decision to investigate all recruitment processes spanning from 2009 to 2024 as a move that undermines institutional stability. According to the network, an individual’s livelihood should never be jeopardized based on their beliefs, provided those beliefs have not manifested in harmful or violent actions.

To restore institutional integrity, the University Teacher Network has outlined five primary demands to the university administration. They are calling for the guarantee of specific, written charges against any individual before disciplinary measures are considered, alongside the implementation of transparent and credible investigations. Furthermore, the network insists that all accused faculty must be given formal notice and a full, fair opportunity to defend themselves. Finally, they urged the administration to follow the procedural hierarchies defined by the 1973 University Order and to immediately withdraw any punitive actions taken solely on the basis of political labels or generalized blacklists.